Tackle sugar cravings for good
Many people struggle to overcome their sugar cravings. Others may not even try because they assume it’s just not possible.
“I’ve always had a sweet tooth,” a client or friend will say, as if loving sugar is a fixed trait, like their brown eyes or sense of humor.
Not so! It is quite possible to quash your cravings for sweets. I’ve done it myself, and I’ve helped many clients do it as well.
We each crave sugar for different reasons (see below), so the first step is to uncover your possible causes. Usually there are multiple culprits.
Tackling sugar cravings could be easier than you think…
Common causes of sugar cravings
Consuming too little water or sodium, both necessary for good hydration
Low protein or high carbohydrate intake can lead to blood sugar crashes that trigger cravings
Nutrient deficiencies such as magnesium, B vitamins and others
The brain’s reward circuitry: Eating sugar and simple carbs (i.e. white flour foods) releases dopamine and opioids in the brain, which send us trolling for more sugar
Chronic stress releases cortisol, a hormone that contributes to blood sugar imbalances
Poor sleep can alter hunger & satiety hormones, triggering cravings for sweet, crunchy or salty foods
Exercise uses up glucose and glycogen (stored glucose) for energy, which can leave us depleted if we’re low in protein, fiber and healthy fats. That low energy state can prompt to sugar cravings
Hormone fluctuations, especially with menstrual cycles
Bacterial or fungal overgrowth in your belly can stimulate sugar cravings. Gut repair is a game changer
Habits. If you eat a cookie every night at 8 p.m., you’re apt to continue doing so, in autopilot mode, even if you’re not hungry, not craving sugar on a given night. I help my clients change habits
When we work together, I’ll help you examine how the foods you’re eating (or not eating), meal timing, and lifestyle factors like stress and sleep may be causing your sugar cravings.
We’ll also look for clues in any recent blood work. Then we’ll map out some simple steps to tackle your cravings, one day at a time. Willpower is not required!
Ways I help my clients overcome sugar cravings
Create balanced meals — protein, high-fiber veggies and healthy fats — which help you achieve steady blood sugar
Drink plenty of water, and add electrolytes with prolonged exercise
Manage stress and improve sleep, with small and consistent changes
Enlist support of loved ones or friends to help limit accessibility of sweets
Develop mindset strategies and routines to break the sugar habit (like using sweets as a reward)
Ready to crack the code on your sweet tooth? Book a call with me!
